Where does your food come from?

Published March 15, 2013 at 12:52 pm

To the Editor,

If you’re like many Americans, your answer to “Where does your food come from?” is the grocery store, when in fact, this is just where it’s distributed. In reality, many people are unaware of agriculture in their lives, and what it takes to have food on their table.

Just a few generations ago, most people were farmers. That’s no longer the case. That’s why I am writing, because agriculture provides the necessities of life: food, clothing and shelter.

Farmers are working harder than ever. Today, each farmer feeds 154 people. But it’s not just the farmer who makes our food possible. Every worker and business, from farm to grocery store, is a vital link that brings you food.

It’s easy to take agriculture for granted – food is accessible and safe. We’re fortunate, but we have an obligation to recognize how it’s made possible.

March 19 is National Ag Day, a time to be grateful for American agriculture.

For more information, contact me at (320) 584-5069. Also check out the United States Farmers and Ranchers Alliance Food Source at fooddialogues.com, Minnesota Farmers Care on Facebook, Minnesota Farm Bureau at fbmn.org and American Farm Bureau at fb.org. — Roger Smith, Morrison County Farm Bureau president, Little Falls